5 Hidden Vacation Costs You Need to Know About

Travel has never been more expensive.

Choosing a cheaper hotel off the beach may not be as penny-wise as you'd think. Private beaches often charge for entry, and non-guests can also incur hefty fees just to use another hotel's pool. Find out if the beaches near your hotel are public or private before booking a room.

Lya Cattel

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

2 of 5

Baggage Holding

Not long ago, if you arrived at your hotel before check-in or wanted to extend your vacation past checkout most hotels held your bags as a courtesy. Those days are over. Hotels are cashing in on the luggage you leave behind for a few extra hours. Expect to shell out as much as $5 per bag to get the hotel to hold it for you.

Dan Lecca

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

3 of 5

Renting is a big waste of money

Stop renting. “The money is going nowhere,” advises Douglas. “It’s only benefiting your landlord. Not you.” The mortgage on Emron’s first house was actually less than his rent. Buying your first home is a huge commitment. But real estate has, generally speaking, proven a reliable financial asset that appreciates over time. (We’re talking long term here.) If you’ve got good credit, the current woes in the housing market could be a windfall for you. Start bargain hunting.

Diane Diederich

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

4 of 5

All-Inclusive Deals

Booking an all-inclusive package means you can relax and stuff yourself silly without worrying about the cost of every meal. But all-inclusive rarely delivers on the promise. It may say drinks included, but omit alcohol from the bargain. Some packages limit you to one dining facility only. If you want to sample the hotel's other cuisine, you'll have to pay for it. Be sure to ask what the all-inclusive deal doesn't include.

John Anderso

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

5 of 5

Rental Car Insurance

If you're planning on being your own tour guide, you'll probably need a rental car to do it. Most renters agree to the optional car insurance thinking it's better to be safe than sorry. True, but you may be just as safe without it. In most cases, your personal car insurance extends to rental cars as well — check your policy first. No car back home? Then it's a good idea to buy what they're selling.